Halki seminary

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians, held a half-hour meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Christmas Day at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.

Ankara is apparently leveraging the potential reopening of the historic Greek Orthodox Halki theological seminary in Turkey as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with Greece.

We've seen recent reports - most notably in Kathimerini - hinting that Turkey could be prepared to take steps to reopen the historic Halki Seminary, something Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has also voiced optimism about.

Reports in the Turkish press refer to statements made by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his recent visit to Thessaloniki, in which he expressed optimism for the reopening of the Halki School of Theology in the foreseeable future.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has voiced optimism that the historic Halki Seminary would reopen soon, indicating that efforts to this end are moving rapidly.

The Laguna Coast Foundation, based in Naxos, will participate in the Halki Summit 2024, which will take place at the Halki Theological School from August 30th to September 1st, organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Scientists from various countries will attend the Summit to discuss practical solutions to the pressing issue of the climate crisis.

Over 52 years ago Turkey shut down Halki Seminary. Since then, its doors have remained shut. According to a recent report in Karar daily, a Turkish media outlet, Ankara is considering taking steps to reopen the seminary.

Turkish Education Minister, Yusuf Tekin stated on Monday that he would like to see Halki Greek Orthodox seminary open. 

However Tekin clarified that the final decision will be taken by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Turkey is finally taking steps to reopen the Halki Greek Orthodox seminary, a long-standing point of contention between the two Aegean neighbors since it was closed by the Turkish state in 1971, according to a report in Karar daily on Monday.

His Holiness raised with Mr. Biden the Theological school of Halki